Why It Matters

Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval base, is experiencing sea level rise at roughly twice the global average rate, threatening one of America’s most strategically important military installations and roughly 50% of the local economy tied to Defense Department activity.

Norfolk needs federal funding for its Coastal Storm Risk Management Project to survive, but it’s competing in a crowded appropriations arena where the Trump administration has cut climate adaptation spending and the competitive landscape for Army Corps of Engineers funding remains intense. The city’s lobbying strategy targets the FY 2026 appropriations process and National Defense Authorization Act, betting that framing coastal resilience as a national security imperative—rather than climate policy—will unlock federal resources.

By the Numbers

The City of Norfolk, Virginia paid Holland & Knight LLP $50,000 in the last quarter of 2025, continuing a two-decade partnership that accounts for over 90% of Norfolk’s $3.33 million in total lobbying spending since 2003. The city filed one disclosure focused on federal appropriations and the National Defense Authorization Act.

Norfolk deployed two experienced lobbyists: Lauri Anne Hettinger, who has represented the city since 2011 and previously served as staff director for the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and Christopher Roger Mack DeLacy, Norfolk’s longest-standing representative since 2004 who served as legislative counsel to Senator John Warner.

The Agenda

Norfolk is pursuing federal funding on three primary fronts: appropriations for the Norfolk Coastal Storm Risk Management Project through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, advocacy on the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, and broader FY 2026 appropriations across multiple funding streams.

This represents continuity with Norfolk’s two-decade lobbying history focused on Army Corps of Engineers projects. The specific focus on coastal resilience and military infrastructure reflects Norfolk’s dual vulnerability: sea-level rise threatens the naval base at nearly twice the global average rate, while the base represents roughly half the local economy.

Broader Context

Norfolk’s campaign emerges amid acute coastal vulnerability and shifting federal priorities. While Senators Warner and Kaine announced nearly $399 million for Norfolk’s Coastal Storm Risk Management Project, the region simultaneously lost approximately $47 million in federal environmental and disaster grants through EPA cuts.

The Trump administration has de-emphasized military climate adaptation. The Pentagon’s FY2026 budget recommends cutting $1.6 billion in "climate spending," including programs for flooding at military bases. However, the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act authorized $901 billion overall in military spending.

Army Corps of Engineers civil works flooding programs received $1.71 billion for FY2026, but demand far exceeds supply, creating intense competition for limited resources.

Between The Lines

Congress is actively shaping legislation affecting Norfolk’s needs for dunding. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee recently held hearings on IIJA Implementation and Water Infrastructure Programs, while the Senate Armed Services Committee discussed Department of Defense Authorization for Fiscal Year 2026.

Key appropriations vehicles include S.3293 and H.R.4553—the Energy and Water Development appropriations bills determining Army Corps funding. The Virginia delegation remains engaged, with Representatives Scott and Kiggans emphasizing Naval Station Norfolk’s strategic importance.

Competitive Landscape

Norfolk faces fierce competition for limited federal resources. The National Defense Authorization Act (S.2296) shows "extensive lobbying activity across defense contractors and organizations with interests in naval base operations."

Holland & Knight LLP represents multiple municipal clients including the City and County of San Francisco and City of West Palm Beach, which also pursue appropriations for water infrastructure and community development, creating a competitive environment where experienced representation is essential.

The Bottom Line

Norfolk paid Holland & Knight $50,000 in the last quarter to pursue federal funding for coastal storm resilience and defense infrastructure, focusing on appropriations tied to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. The city’s experienced lobbying team positions it to compete for Army Corps funding, with strong Virginia delegation support providing political backing despite federal budget pressures and shifting climate spending priorities.

Access the Legis1 platform for comprehensive political news, data, and insights.